BETHLEHEM AREA

PR AWARDS: The Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce it has earned three national honors in the 2025 National School Public Relations Association Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards.

The annual NSPRA awards celebrate outstanding work in educational communications, including print and digital publications, videos, social media, infographics, and more. Entries are judged by seasoned communication professionals from across the country.

BASD received the following awards:

* Award of Excellence – Viewbook: LINK This is NSPRA’s highest honor in its category and highlights BASD’s efforts to visually and effectively showcase the district’s values, achievements, and opportunities to students, families, and the community.

* Award of Merit – Video: Edgeboro’s 100th Anniversary: Media coverage Celebrating a century of the Edgeboro neighborhood in Bethlehem, this video project captured stories from residents, students, and alumni.

* Honorable Mention – Video: Southside Greenway Mural Collaboration: VIDEO This video project documented the creative partnership behind the Southside Greenway mural, showcasing BASD student involvement and community collaboration.

“These awards are a testament to the creative energy and professional excellence of our communications team,” said Dr. Jack P. Silva, Superintendent of Schools. “We’re proud to share the stories that make our district, and our community, so special.”

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC HS

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Michael Vargas is a proud Becahi alum who will be attending Moravian University this fall to study Digital Art and Photography – ready to bring stories to life through creativity and visual expression. At Becahi, Michael shared his artistic gifts behind the scenes as part of the Theater Stage Crew & Spotlight, contributed to the Art Club, and lived out his faith through Campus Ministry. Congratulations, Michael! We’re excited to see your creativity continue to shine in new and inspiring ways.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Kennedi Washington is a proud Becahi alum and graduate of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Elementary School, who will be attending Northampton Community College this fall to study Health Sciences – taking the first steps toward a future of care and service. At Becahi, Kennedi led with heart and spirit – serving as Secretary of Key Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and Varsity Cheer Captain her senior year. Congratulations, Kennedi! Your dedication and compassion will no doubt make a difference in the world.

For more Senior Spotlights, visit the Bethlehem Catholic Facebook page.

SUMMER STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Golden Hawk Andreia Dias ’28 wowed the crowd recently at Holy Infancy Church’s Multicultural Fest, performing with the Portuguese American Club of Bethlehem.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Congratulations to Hanna O’Reilly ’14 for being named “Most In the Know” by Fig Lehigh Valley. As the Social & Content Manager at Discover Lehigh Valley, she’s helping locals and visitors alike fall in love with all our region has to offer. At Becahi, she was always in the mix – student council, soccer, debate team, and so much more. She was even voted Most Likely to Be Retweeted – clearly, her social media savvy started early.

CHARTER ARTS

SUMMER WORKSHOPS: AGE 12-17: Take a Workshop with us this Summer! Filmmaking, Acting, Comic Book Storytelling, Dance, Musical Theater Vocal Workshop, and more! Open to kids 12-17. Go to charterarts.org, click on Summer Academy page under GET INVOLVED tab!

LEHIGH VALLEY ACADEMY

HIRING COACHES: Lehigh Valley Academy is looking for passionate and dedicated Athletics & Activities Coaches for the 2025–26 school year! Opportunities available in: Cheerleading (Middle School), PIAA Volleyball (Girls & Boys Teams – Middle & High School), PIAA Basketball (Middle & HS), Youth Basketball Program (Grades K – 6) Seasonal, stipend-based positions. PA clearances required. Apply now through LVA’s application portal! lvacademy.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

FEATURED GRADUATE: From kindergarten to commencement, Simon Hume has truly done it all. As he heads to Northeastern University to study mechanical engineering, read more about his accomplishments, leadership, and lasting legacy: lvacademyrcs.blog/2025/06/24/celebrating-the-incredible-journey-of-simon-hume-class-of-2025/

STUDENT WINNER: Congratulations to Aryash, one of our very own middle school students, for being named a 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner! Aryash is the only student from Pennsylvania to earn this honor, standing out among young innovators across the country for his creativity, scientific knowledge, and strong communication skills. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, recognized as the nation’s premier middle school science competition, celebrates students in grades 5-8 who use science to solve everyday problems. See his story: discoveryeducation.com/details/2025-3m-young-scientist-challenge/

NOTRE DAME HS

TEACHER OPENING: Notre Dame is seeking a math teacher. Notre Dame, a Top Workplace of 2025, offers a supportive environment, committed staff, and a vibrant student body – all grounded in faith, learning and excellence. Please send resume to Mrs. Friel, principal at jfriel@ndcrusaders.org

LV DUAL LANGUAGE CHARTER

BOARD MEETING: The board of trustees will meet July 22, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

NOTRE DAME ES

VBS: Vacation Bible School is coming to Notre Dame July 14-18. Open to students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. There is a nominal fee for the program. To register, visit ndbethlehemschool.org/

SAINT ANNE’S ES

GOLF TOURNAMENT: In support of Saint Anne School to fund replacement of the floor in the Community Center. Fri, Aug. 8. 8 a.m. Four Person Scramble. Bethlehem Golf Club, 400 Illick’s Mill Road. Sponsorships available. Register at birdease.com/SASgolf2025 or contact Tom Green at biz555@ptd.net or 610-730-3224.

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Alexander Okezue Bell ’23 is a Stanford student studying mathematics and an AI activist. Okezue has conducted AI research at Microsoft, Harvard Medical School, MIT Media Lab, and Boston Children’s Hospital. He invented a low-cost prosthetic arm, now reproduced in Iran, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. As founder of Fidutam, he leads a global network of 1,600+ members developing responsible tech solutions, collaborating with Google, OpenAI, and the White House. Looking back, Okezue traces his passion for innovation to Moravian Academy. “I learned the power of education as a tool for change,” he says. Through workshops on AI, climate change, and tech, he empowers young leaders to drive global impact. Featured in Bloomberg, NPR, and Yahoo News, he has spoken at Web Summit, COP27, and more. Honored by President Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and the Royal Family, Okezue is a Nasdaq Face of Entrepreneurship, Code.org CS Hero, and SwissCognitive Global AI Ambassador.

SCAVENGER HUNT: New students. Merle-Smith Campus – Walter Hall. Optional Campus photo scavenger hunt and Hank’s Italian Ice. July 14, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Contact: email Danielle Koren at dkoren@mamail.net

STORY TIME: Swain Campus, July 3, at 10 a.m.